Synthesis of High-Energy-Density Fuel Through the Dimerization of Bicyclo[2.2.1]Hepta-2,5-Diene Over a Nanoporous Catalyst

摘要

A mesoporous material prepared from commercial zeolite beta (MMZbe,a) was utilized as a catalyst for the dimerization of bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene (NBD). Beta zeolite is initially rendered into nano-units under controlled basic conditions (top-down process). Subsequently, the zeolitic nano units are reassembled into highly ordered meso-porous materials in the presence of a templating material (bottom-up process). Mesoporous pores about 2.8 nm of diameter were well developed in the MMZbe, catalyst. MMZbeta contains both weak acid sites and strong acid sites, which are attributed to Bronsted and Lewis acid sites. NBD dimerization could be promoted by MMZbe, catalyst. The high performance of the MMZbe,a catalyst in NBD dimerization could be attributed to its mesoporous structure, which allows the reactant and products of a large, molecular size to diffuse freely and which also provides sufficient accessibility for the acid sites in the pores. The used MMZbeta catalyst can easily be regenerated by calcination.